Due to a history of inconsistent academic standards in states across the country, a concerning number of students are graduating from high school unable to meet the academic requirements to join the military.

Additionally, the U.S. military is deeply concerned about the damaging impact that low and inconsistent educational standards are having on the families of current service members. Gen. Ray Odierno, former Army Chief of Staff, ordered that the performance of schools near a base will be an important consideration in any future installation changes or base realignments.

A MILITARY FAMILY'S GUIDE TO SCHOOL TRANSITIONS

Moving to a new post can spark anxiety in military families over the quality of the schools in and around a military installation. But families with children in preschool through high school can take certain actions to mitigate these concerns and help their children transition effectively to a new school.

This guide has been compiled by military spouses with decades of experience in an effort to help simplify that process.

Taking a look at military-connected student education in four states – Colorado, Missouri, North Carolina, and Virginia – the report identifies areas of strength and opportunities for growth when it comes to educating military-connected students, who move 2 to 3 times more frequently than their civilian peers during their K-12 education.

How the Common Core Improves Education for Military-Connected Children

States across the country have always established their own academic standards, curricula, and achievement goals. This inconsistency, however, creates problems for children from military families, who must move and change schools frequently as their parents are reassigned. For these children, moving from state to state not only has significant social and emotional challenges, it also complicates their education. It is critical for states to minimize the strain that moving has on these children; adopting and effectively implementing the Common Core State Standards would ensure that as students change schools, their education is consistent and of high quality.

Watch list

Military families support Common Core. Listen to Maj. Gen. Bennie Williams talk about some of the reasons why.

Father and U.S. Military Veteran Shane Cockrell shares his thoughts on Common Core in this Expect More OK video.